canary-grass miner
Common Namecanary-grass miner
Scientific NameCosmopterix lienigiella
FamilyCosmopterigidae
SubfamilyCosmopteriginae
Wingspan (mm)9
Primary Colorspale brown, cream, dark brown, black
HabitatDamp grasslands, fens, marshes, riverbanks, coastal areas
Geographic RangeEurope, Russia, Central Asia, China, Japan, North America
Host Plantscanary grass (*Phalaris arundinacea*)
Flight PeriodJuly to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are leaf miners, creating long, narrow mines in the leaves of canary grass. Pupation occurs within the mine or on the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, pale mottled forewings with a prominent black spot, and its association with canary grass. The distinctive long, narrow larval mines are also a strong indicator.
Description
A small, slender moth with pale, mottled forewings featuring a distinct black spot near the costa, and narrow, heavily fringed hindwings.
